Ford C-Max years to avoid (and the best years)
350 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recalls across 6 model years, 2013 to 2018. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 350complaints
- 12recalls
- 24reported crashes
- 11reported fires
- 20reported injuries
Which Ford C-Max years should you avoid?
No Ford C-Max model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Ford C-Max year has 36 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2013 (179) and 2014 (77).
What are the best Ford C-Max years?
The Ford C-Max years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2018 (10), 2017 (13) and 2016 (22). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 10 | 0.3× | 1 | 2 | 1 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2017 | 13 | 0.4× | 1 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Speed control |
| 2016 | 22 | 0.6× | 3 | 2 | 3 | Few red flags | Backup camera |
| 2015 | 49 | 1.4× | 6 | 9 | 8 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2014 | 77 | 2.2× | 8 | 6 | 6 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2013 | 179 | 5.0× | 8 | 4 | 2 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 2 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Other systems2 (100%)
Recalls (12)
Safety · 25V695000 · Oct 2025 · model years 2015, 2016
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 22V413000 · Jun 2022 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Safety · 20V331000 · Jun 2020 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Safety · 18V592000 · Sep 2018 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
An overheated cord can increase the risk of a fire.
Structure · 17V052000 · Jan 2017 · model year 2016
Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Safety · 16V643000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Electrical system · 15V436000 · Jul 2015 · model year 2015
If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 14V597000 · Sep 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Steering · 14V514000 · Aug 2014 · model year 2014
The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 14V237000 · May 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.
Safety · 14V164000 · Apr 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
Electrical system · 13V475000 · Oct 2013 · model year 2013
Without an audible door chime, a vehicle owner may open the door and exit the vehicle without being reminded that the vehicle is still operational, leaving the vehicle susceptible to theft.